Win7/64 Ntfs Compression Issue Again!

Hi! I have a Win7/64 laptop at a day program. Recently, its hard drive was about 7/8 full. I managed to compress some of its contents and uninstall some unneeded programs. Now, it's at about 3/4 full. I also attached a 256GB flash drive to act as a secondary hard drive. I installed a couple files on it. Now, I want to compress the Windows folder but am having two issues: 1. I need Administrator privileges to do the process, and 2. I get Access Denied errors stating the file is in use. Problem #1 is easy to fix, as I have access to the Administrator account, but #2 is harder, as most of the files are in constant use. Is there a special mode or tool that can help me do the job?

 

Compressing the Windows folder can save some disk space, but it may also affect the performance and stability of your system. Some files in the Windows folder are essential for the operating system to run properly, and compressing them can cause errors or slow down your computer. Therefore, it is not recommended to compress the entire Windows folder.

However, if you still want to try it, you will need to log in as an administrator and use a tool that can compress files that are in use. One such tool is Compact, which is a command-line utility that can compress or uncompress files and folders on NTFS partitions. You can learn more about how to use Compact here.

Alternatively, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove unnecessary files from the Windows folder, such as temporary files, old updates, and system error reports. This can free up some space without affecting the system performance. To use Disk Cleanup, follow the steps here.

 

I thank you for your information. Now, which subfolders in \Windows are safe to compress? I will download Compact now.

 

I looked at the link for Compact, but it doesn't look like it'll do what I want it to do. It looks like it will create .zip files instead of compressing through the NTFS file system.

 

I just looked at the other link, and it told me how to compress the files, which I already knew. It also told me not to compress the whole drive. I'm lucky! BTW, can Compact actually compress through the NTFS file system? It seems to come with the OS. I'd better try "compact /?" at the command line to see what happens. Thank you.

 

I didn't try Compact today, as, at your suggestion, I didn't want to compress the whole Windows folder, and I couldn't find the Disk Cleanup utility. Which sub-folders are safe to compress, and where is the disk cleanup program?

 

5 Ways to Open Administrative Tools in Windows 10 & 11 - MajorGeeks
Disk cleanup in Windows - Microsoft Support
Download Drive Cleaners Tools for Windows - MajorGeeks

 

Thank you. I'll try the second and third links now.

 

I just tried the second link. I'll try to remember that the next time I'm at my day program. Thank you. BTW, I'm still wondering what sub-folders of Windows\ are safe to compress.

 

I just downloaded from the third link. The program was ccPortable. I'll try to try that next chance.

 

Harry, I know from your many post, you like using compression. I will give you some advice,.... instead of messing with compressing,.... with the price of hard drives these days, I would buy a larger one or bare minimum a usb external HD. It is just too easy, cheap, and quick. That is the reason compression is not a big thing anymore. Long gone are the days of HD's being hundreds of dollars.

While I am not necessarily recommending this HD, here is one from Newegg: https://www.newegg.com/p/2WA-0102-0...redProduct-_-4-_-9SIB4K5GBC6335-_-3400-_--_-3 .....

just $45 bucks free shipping. The same brand in a 500GB is only $25.

 

Would it help if I said better compression might decrease the time needed to download files? Would it also help if I said I want to target retro computers?

 

The laptop in question now has a 256GB flash drive that's being used as a secondary hard drive. However, I still want to compress more of its hard drive, including parts of the Windows\ folder. A couple of days ago, I tried compressing it using Compact from the Administrator account and running the command prompt in Administrator mode and kept getting an Access Denied error. Of course, right now, the hard drive is a little more than 3/4 full, so I don't quite need it, but, as you pointed out, I like compression.

 

Download speeds are ridiculously fast these days, and even older PC's can take a larger HD. But you do what makes you happy.

 

You're right. My main uses for compression are for floppies, Zip disks and older computers. I'm glad for your encouragement, though.